Trainer Jack Bruce anticipates success from Sir Maurice at Ipswich on Friday, aided by a useful weight reduction and the horse’s peak condition for winning.

This marks the fifth appearance this season for the five-year-old gelding sired by Japanese standout Maurice, who tackles the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) on his maiden voyage to the circuit an hour’s drive west of Brisbane.

"I think it is a nice race for him," Deagon resident Bruce noted, calling the horse suitable for this grade but no elite talent.

"He drew wide at his last start and had to go all the way back in the run and that made it challenging for him to win the race.

"He got held up at a crucial time and he flew late for second. He’s a horse in really good order at the minute and he’s racing in good spirits.

"We just have to find the race for him and hopefully this is it."

The gelding has notched three wins alongside eight placings in 23 races, consistently placing but ripe for another triumph post his May 2025 victory.

Previously second at Sunshine Coast in a benchmark 60 over 1200m on February 22, apprentice Leah Martyn continues riding with her two-kilo deduction bringing the weight to 56kg.

"She’s riding well and she’s very dedicated," added Bruce.

"She does her homework and as far as two-kilo claimers go in the provincials, she is well worth using and she rode him last start and got held up at the wrong time so she she’ll be hungry for success on him on Friday."

In addition, Bruce has Sacred Bull in the Racing and Sports Benchmark 58 Handicap (2010m), opting Friday morning between Ipswich day races or Sunshine Coast night ones for the six-year-old.

Visit betting sites to find racing odds for Sir Maurice in the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap.